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Evista vs. Nolvadex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Raloxifene (Evista) and tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are both selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) used to lower the risk of breast cancer, but they have some key differences. Raloxifene is specifically for postmenopausal women and can also be used to treat osteoporosis, while tamoxifen can be used by both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Tamoxifen also treats various stages of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Raloxifene is taken once daily and is not associated with uterine cancer, whereas tamoxifen is also taken once daily but can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Common side effects of raloxifene include hot flashes and joint pain, while tamoxifen can cause swelling in the arms and legs, nausea, and vaginal discharge. Both medications carry a risk of blood clots, but tamoxifen also has a risk of cataracts and liver problems. Tamoxifen and Evistat are both available as a lower-cost generic.

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Raloxifene Vs. Tamoxifen: 6 Ways These Breast Cancer Medications Compare And How To Choose

Raloxifene

(Evista)

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Tamoxifen

(Nolvadex)

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Summary for Evista

Prescription only

Raloxifene (Evista) is used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss) and lower the risk of breast cancer in women who've gone through menopause. This medication belongs to the drug class known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Raloxifene (Evista) is a tablet that's taken once a day. Side effects can include hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain.

Indications for Evista

  • Osteoporosis in women who've gone through menopause (postmenopausal)
  • Lower the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for breast cancer or who have osteoporosis

Pros and Cons for Evista

Pros

Cons

  • Not a first-choice option for osteoporosis
  • Has some serious risks, such as blood clots
  • Not approved for preventing breast cancer in women who haven't gone through menopause yet or who have a history of breast cancer
  • Not approved for treating breast cancer

Common Side Effects for Evista

  • Joint pain (16%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (14%)
  • Hot flashes (10%)
  • Bronchitis (10%)
  • Runny nose (10%)
  • Cough (9%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Nausea (8%)
  • Sinus infection (8%)
  • Leg cramps (7%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Swelling in the arms or legs (5%)

Warnings for Evista

  • Higher risk for blood clots and stroke
  • High triglyceride levels
  • Continue to monitor for breast cancer
  • Interaction with warfarin (Coumadin)

Summary for Nolvadex

Prescription only

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It’s used to treat early stage and advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in males and females. It’s also used to lower the risk for breast cancer in females who have a higher risk for breast cancer. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is an oral tablet that's taken by mouth, usually once a day. Common side effects of this medication include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the arms and legs, which might lead to weight gain. Brand name Nolvadex is no longer available.

Indications for Nolvadex

Pros and Cons for Nolvadex

Pros

  • Usually taken once a day
  • Oral tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
  • Might help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause

Cons

  • Might raise your risk for blood clots, uterine cancer, and cataracts
  • Can’t take while pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Usually taken long term (at least 5 years)

Common Side Effects for Nolvadex

  • Hot flashes (up to 80%)
  • Vaginal discharge (up to 55%)
  • Swelling in the arms and legs (up to 32%)
  • Nausea (up to 26%)
  • Irregular or no monthly bleeding (up to 25%)
  • Vaginal bleeding (up to 23%)
  • Weight loss (23%)
  • Skin changes (19%)

Warnings for Nolvadex

  • Blood clots
  • Changes in the uterus and risk of uterine cancer
  • Eye problems
  • Liver problems
  • High calcium levels in the blood
  • Low platelet count (risk of bleeding)
  • Harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Evista vs. Nolvadex

Price Card Drug Icon
Raloxifene90 tablets / 60mg
$40.95$288.93
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tamoxifen90 tablets / 20mg
$49.91$229.01
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